(photo courtesy of Dave Pawlak, PawlakPhoto.com)
With a career as dangerous as DH mountain bike racing, Mark Weir has had many close calls. But even the worst of these is nothing compared to what Mark endured two days after Christmas. Mark and his wife and son escaped a very serious house fire that completely gutted his garage and part of the attic and kitchen. Firefighters have deemed the dwelling as uninhabitable due to structural damage.
As reported by the Contra Costa Times damage has been set at $435,000. Included in the damaged garage were two vehicles (including a new Ford Flex), several mountain bikes and other related parts and gear. As reported by Bicycle Retailer, the garage contained “one of the most magnificent collections of high end bikes ever assembled, not to mention the lifetime collection of tools and cycling memorabilia.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire and everyone escaped without harm.
In this YouTube video posted on the WTB blog, Mark explains how something as devastating as this can really give a person a deeper understanding and appreciation of friends and family.
Mark has always been a good friend and supporter of Mtbr and our crew, so we sincerely wish Mark and his family all the best and here’s to looking forward at a better New Year.
